Infection rates

Each year the Department of Health sets us targets to achieve in terms of our MRSA and C.diff rates.

MRSA

MRSA is an abbreviation that stands for the bacteria (germ) meticillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. You can read about preventing MRSA on the NHS Choices website.

C.diff

Clostridium difficile, or C.diff, is a bacteria that can cause diarrhoea in some circumstances. You can read about preventing C.diff on the NHS Choices website.

C.diff

Our target for 2018/19 is to achieve a level of no more than 20 cases of hospital acquired C. diff where there was a lapse in care.

Targets: Prior to April 2015 the Trust were set targets based on the number of hospital acquired cases. After April 2015 the targets were based on the number of hospital acquired cases where there was a lapse in care or practice.

Hospital Acquired Cases (HAI): HAI cases are cases where the patient has been within the hospital for 3 days. All HAI cases are investigated and a post investigation review (PIR) is undertaken to identify any lapses in care or practice and any lessons to be learnt.

Lapses in Care: Lapses in care or practice may be identified when national or local guidance or policies have not been adhered to.

Previous performance:

MRSA

Our target for 2018/19 is to achieve no cases of MRSA Bacteraemia.

Targets: Number of hospital acquired MRSA bacteraemia cases as apportioned by Public Health England. All cases are investigated and a post investigation review (PIR) is undertaken to identify any lapses in care and any lessons to be learnt.